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Issaquah Highlands School Spotlight: April 2025

Kindergarten Registration: Three Weeks Left!

This is a reminder that kindergarten registration for incoming fall 2024 students is open through April 30, 2025. If your child will attend kindergarten in Issaquah School District (ISD) in the fall, be sure to complete registration by the end of this month so that planning can begin for next year’s kindergarten classrooms and staffing.

To learn more about the registration process, please visit our the ISD Kindergarten Registration webpage. Links to your school’s kindergarten information are also available on the webpage. Questions about the registration process? Please contact your school’s main office.

ISD Board and City of Issaquah Joint Meeting Recap

At the end of March, leaders from ISD—including the School Board and district administrators—met with the City of Issaquah (COI) City Council, mayor and city staff for a joint meeting at the Holly Street Early Learning Center to discuss key updates and explore opportunities for collaboration on shared community issues. The meeting provided insights into student success, city growth, infrastructure planning and the shared responsibilities of both organizations. View agenda and materials here.

Financial & Estate Planning for Families of Students with Disabilities

Parents and caregivers of students with disabilities are invited to an important session on financial strategies and estate planning on April 23 from 5:30–7 p.m. Presented by Sheldon Sweeny of Snider Financial Group and Jerimy Kirschner, Managing Partner at Jerimy Kirschner & Associates PLLC, this session will explore financial planning through the lens of the three key phases in the life of a child with special needs: pre-guardianship, post-guardianship, and independent living. Each phase presents its own set of financial considerations—but with thoughtful planning, families can gain peace of mind knowing their child’s future is secure, even in the face of life’s unexpected changes. Here is the Zoom link to participate (meeting ID: 848 0662 4271).

High School Students: Apply for ‘Career Kickstart’ Summer Program

“Career Kickstart” is a new, free two-week immersive summer program provided by ISD through a grant from the Issaquah Schools Foundation that gives incoming high school juniors and seniors direct access to local leading companies in various industries. Throughout the two-week program, students will shadow professionals, observe real work environments and build authentic relationships with industry leaders. This is more than career exploration — it’s a chance to make meaningful connections that could lead to internships, mentorships or job opportunities down the line.

The Career Kickstart application is due by Friday, April 25, at 11:59 p.m. Students who would like to apply should check their Canvas for the link to the application. ISD will use a lottery system to select 50 student applicants to participate. Selected applicants will be notified on or before Thursday, May 1, and will have one week to accept or decline. Students who are not selected via the lottery will be added to a waitlist and may be offered a spot based on space.

‘Art with Influence’ Contest Accepting Submissions

Calling all middle and high school students! Influence the Choice is hosting its 13th annual “Art with Influence” contest, a video and 2-D art contest focused on helping to prevent students from using alcohol and other drugs. The grand prize is $1,000! The deadline for submissions is April 27. Learn more on the Influence the Choice website.

Superintendent Update: 2025-26 Budgeting Process, More

With just three months left in the school year, the district is focused on finishing strong and preparing for the future. In this video update, Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick discusses the 2025-26 budget process, the need for a cautious financial approach amid rising costs, and the importance of replacement levies in 2026 to maintain academic excellence. She also shares updates on the district’s efforts to request a permit extension to allow more time for project coordination at the New High School site.

Empower Your Child’s Learning Journey: Free Preschool Program

Transition to Kindergarten (TK) is a free Pre-K program that focuses on social-emotional skills, learning habits and kindergarten readiness goals to prepare our youngest learners for their educational journey. Eligibility is determined through the application and screening process. Space is limited, and priority enrollment is given to families impacted by limited household income and students who demonstrate the most need for additional preparation. We encourage families to apply soon.

To be eligible, children must demonstrate a need for additional preparation before entering kindergarten, reside within the ISD boundaries and turn 4 years old by Aug. 31, 2025. Learn more about the Transition to Kindergarten program and apply online.

Now Open: ISD Online Learning Fall 2025 Application

Middle and high school students are eligible to take online learning courses in Art, English, Math, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies and World Language. The courses can be taken within a student’s schedule or in addition to a student’s schedule. For more information on program course lists and requirements, please visit the ISD Online Learning website. Applications will be accepted through June 20, 2025.

Elementary Summer Camp Registration Now Open

Registration for ISD’s Elementary Summer Camp opened April 1. This camp is for currently enrolled kindergarten through fifth-grade students interested in an engaging S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) summer camp curriculum. Summer camp will be held at Sunset Elementary from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with bus transportation available. Students may sign up for one session on July 7 – 18 or July 21 – Aug. 1. The session fee is $250, with scholarships available. To register or find more details, visit ISD’s Summer School and Enrichment Courses.

Volunteers Needed for AP Exams May 5-16

Issaquah High School is looking for volunteers to proctor AP exams in early May.  Many volunteers are needed for the two weeks of AP exams, so please consider volunteering your time. Sign up here to volunteer. Volunteers must be approved every new school year to work with students. Check your approval status here.